With 150 riders from all continents, the Appenninica challenge goes global

In July 2019, the world of mountain bike stage races welcomed a new event in Italy – a challenging race nestled in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, a wild territory relatively unexplored by mountain biking enthusiasts. The declared goal was to unveil a different side of the Apennines to both national and, particularly, international audiences – similar to the most significant off-road stage events, from the Cape Epic downwards.

As it approaches its fifth edition, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has won its bet. Year after year, the number of participants has grown, luring an international contingent and athletes from various countries to take part in the stage race through the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, drawn by the opportunity to discover enchanting landscapes and test themselves on high-level technical MTB routes.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is set to continue along the same path, evident from the sold-out status reached two months before the official start. A total of 150 athletes from 24 Nations, representing 6 continents, will be at the starting line. Organized by ASD Happy Trail MTB, the race will cover over 400 km and 14,000 meters of elevation across six stages – from the departure in Castelnovo ne’ Monti (RE) to the arrival in Vidiciatico, a hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere (BO).

The largest contingent comes from the Oranje team, with an impressive 33 athletes from the Netherlands. Following closely are Italians with 22 participants, and other nations with strong cycling traditions are also well represented: Belgium (19), Germany (9), the United Kingdom (8), the United States (7), and Denmark (6).

However, the fame of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has reached far and wide, with athletes from GuatemalaSouth AfricaIsraelArgentinaCanada, and Australia also taking their places at the starting line of the next edition. This achievement certifies that the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines are becoming increasingly attractive in the panorama of mountain bike stage races.

“Once again this year, the figures confirm the international nature of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, with participants coming from all over the world,” state Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the event. “New Nations join us every year, while others expand their presence, and we are also very pleased to have a substantial group of Italian athletes at the start.

APPENNINICA TEEN CAMP

 

From September 4th to 9th, alongside the stage race, a new project called Appenninica Teen Camp will also take place. This initiative is intended to involve young adolescents in an international and competitive sports environment characterized by the typical sports solidarity of stage races. A group of youngsters will experience the Appenninica MTB Stage Race from the inside, sleeping in tents supplied by Decathlon Italia, a sponsor of the initiative.

Every day, the young participants will wear different jerseys made by Respect Me, featuring awareness messages in support of cyclist safety. The Appenninica Teen Camp will provide an opportunity for them to engage in volunteer work, interact with formidable athletes and riders pushing their limits, while assisting the organization and providing support to everyone within the friendly atmosphere that characterizes the race.

Arias and Bakker crowned champions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Colombian Diego Arias secures his second overall title after 2022, while Dutch rider Lola Bakker prevails in the women’s race after a week-long battle with Syd Schulz. Spica wins final stage and climbs to third overall.

Bakker delivers standout Queen Stage performance

Another dramatic turnaround in the women’s race as Lola Bakker claims her third stage win, building a commanding advantage

Arias moves closer to Appenninica 2025 victory

Diego Arias wins High Mountain Queen Stage, extending his lead in Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025. Saitta remains second, with Massimo Rosa taking third on the day.

Bakker rebounds, Schulz stays calm

Lola Bakker responds after Tuesday’s setback, while Syd Schulz manages to limit the damage

Candeago bounce back in Riolunato

Third different winner in as many stages at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025: Andrea Candeago claims victory in Riolunato, outsprinting Vincenzo Saitta and teammate Diego Arias to secure the win that eluded him in Vidiciatico.

Schulz seizes the Pink Jersey

In the women’s race, Syd Schulz snatches the leader’s jersey from Lola Bakker

Saitta triumphs in Vidiciatico as Arias holds firm

After a strong debut, Sicilian rider Vincenzo Saitta wins Stage 2 of Appenninica, outsprinting Diego Arias and Andrea Candeago in Vidiciatico

Arias strikes first at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Diego Arias drops Saitta, and finishes ahead of Becking and the Italian

Bakker powers clear, Schulz hangs tough

Lola Bakker edges Schulz in a heated women’s contest

Appenninica 2025 kicks off: five days of pure MTB

Tomorrow, Monday June 23rd, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race kicks off from Lizzano in Belvedere. Through Friday June 27th, 117 riders will battle across 315 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of elevation gain. Hans Becking and Diego Arias are the men to watch, while the women’s field is wide open with no clear favorite.

Twenty-Two Nations line up for Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

From June 23-27, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will collect the attention of international MTB lovers with 118 participants from 22 different Countries. The Netherlands and Italy lead the field, while South America is getting more represented year after year

Young and bold: Italian prospects ready to make their mark at Appenninica 2025

After Luca Cacchi’s surprising third-place finish in 2024, the 2025 edition of the Emilia-Romagna Apennine stage race will once again showcase Italian talent hunting for the spotlight against international stars from June 23-27